# Polish local government term limit repeal efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/polish-local-government-term-limit-repeal-efforts
> Updated: 2026-10-22T12:48:55.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Efforts to repeal statutory term limits for local leaders in Poland have gained momentum from both municipal organizations and political parties. The Association of Rural Municipalities has officially opposed the limits, arguing that the decision to re-elect mayors and city presidents should rest solely with residents. The Polish People's Party (PSL) launched a formal campaign to abolish the two-term limit for local executives, suggesting that if local limits are not removed, they will propose similar term limits for members of parliament to ensure legal consistency.

The current legislation, established in 2018 by the Law and Justice (PiS) government, restricts local executives to a maximum of two five-year terms. Opponents contend the law is unconstitutional because it violates passive voting rights. While a legislative project was submitted to the Sejm in mid-2025, it remained stalled in the Extraordinary Committee for Changes in Codifications.

In October 2026, the Sejm rejected a proposed amendment to the Electoral Code that would have abolished the two-term limit for mayors, village heads (wójt), and city presidents. The amendment, introduced by the PSL, also sought to remove prohibitions preventing local executive candidates from running for seats in county councils and voivodeship assemblies. The vote concluded with 213 deputies in favor, 215 against, and 9 abstentions. The defeat highlighted divisions within the governing coalition, as members of Koalicja Obywatelska and Lewica split their votes or opposed the measure. Following the rejection, Marshal Adam Struzik criticized the existing limits as ‘absolutely inconsistent with the Constitution’. In response to the narrow defeat, PSL leader Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz suggested the party might propose similar term limits for members of Parliament and senators, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated he does not see an issue with returning to the project as soon as possible to attempt another vote.

## Claims

- The proposed amendment aimed to abolish the two-term limit for mayors, village heads, and city presidents. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The amendment also proposed allowing local executive candidates to run for county and voivodeship council seats. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The current two-term limit for local executive bodies was introduced in 2018. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Sejm rejected the amendment to the Electoral Code on Thursday, October 22. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The vote for the amendment resulted in 213 votes in favor, 215 against, and 9 abstentions. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Adam Struzik stated that the two-term limit is 'absolutely inconsistent with the Constitution'. (single source)
- The PSL proposed that if local term limits remain, similar limits should apply to MPs and senators. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Polish Sejm rejects proposal to abolish local government term limits

The Polish Sejm rejected a PSL-led proposal to lift the two-term limit for local government executives by a narrow two-vote margin, maintaining current restrictions for the 2029 elections.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polands-sejm-rejects-amendment-to-abolish-term-limits-for-local-officials

### 2026-10-16: Polish People's Party (PSL) advocates for ending term limits in local government

The Polish People's Party (PSL) is pushing to abolish the two-term limit for local government officials, threatening to introduce similar limits for parliament if the law is not repealed.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-peoples-party-psl-advocates-for-ending-term-limits-in-local-government

### 2026-10-10: Association of Rural Municipalities opposes term limits for Polish local leaders

The Association of Rural Municipalities in Poland opposes statutory term limits for local leaders, arguing that voters should decide through elections.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/association-of-rural-municipalities-opposes-term-limits-for-polish-local-leaders

---
Cite as: Polish local government term limit repeal efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/polish-local-government-term-limit-repeal-efforts